Secundum Atrial Septal Defects Transcatheter Closure: An Updated Reappraisal

Transcatheter device-based closure is considered the first line therapy for congenital secundum atrial septal defect (ASD). The last 20 years literature data have been reviewed to offer an updated reappraisal of current evidences. Anatomical and functional details, appreciated at both pre-procedural and intraprocedural steps, remain of paramount importance for planning ASD transcatheter –based closure procedure. Routes for interventions should include femoral, and eventually the jugular and hepatic vein approaches. Intraprocedural transoesophageal echocardiography (TTE) or intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) is used at least in most complex cases to have the exact definition of the anatomy of the defects. The clinical outcomes are excellent also compared to surgical series with few complications even compare to surgical series. Transcatheter ASD closure represents the first line therapy in secundum ASD. Future developments of device's material and imaging tools are expected to improve safety and long-term efficacy, even in most complex cases.